Metacognitive Approach - Principles and Therapeutic Tools

Among the third wave approaches in CBT, the metacognitive approach (MCT) tends to focus on processing, thinking, conceptualization, and the allocation of attentional resources. It aims to explore consciousness and intervene through therapeutic work with processes within it. Adrian Wells, the developer of the approach, is a British psychologist who originally trained as a CBT therapist.

A fundamental principle in second-wave approaches to CBT according to Beck and Young holds that much suffering is caused to a person due to biases and disturbances in balanced thinking. This principle is also valid in the metacognitive approach. This holds that certain thinking styles and beliefs are primarily responsible for the development of psychopathologies.

However, MCT holds that it is not the 'what' that determines the formation of a disorder but the 'how'. Most of us have negative thoughts and beliefs from time to time, and they fade away. Some experience prolonged suffering and distress due to the way they are held in their minds.

The seminar program will span 5 academic hours in a teaching and workshop format. It will include:

9:00-10:30 - Introduction to the metacognitive approach and its principles

10:30-10:45 Break

10:45-12:15 - Metacognitive conceptualization, practicing metacognitive skills such as: Attention Training - ATT. Designed to help the patient flex patterns of directing attention to his consciousness based on the assumption that the 'highlighting' of repetitive attention on painful topics increases his suffering. Practicing detached, observant awareness Detached Mindfulness (DM) that allows for an experiential change in the person's relationship to the contents of the inner world.

12:15-12:30 Break

12:30-13:30 - Metacognitive therapy for OCD step by step.

About the lecturer :

Ehud Halak, clinical psychologist, expert and instructor in CBT, the Michael Counseling and Therapeutic Unit, Neve Michael. Private clinic in Netanya. Works with children, parents and adults in focused approaches: CBT, MCT, and Focused Dynamic Therapy – EDT.